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Bargaining is the key
By Camilla Kaas Stock
Turkish rugs
Probably one of the most popular shopping items for foreigners, apart from Turkish Delight, is the Turkish rug. With its variety of colours and patterns, it has captured the imagination of people all over the world for millennia. The flat woven kelim rugs are seen in traces of wall paintings dating back to 7000B.C. and you can still find the same designs used today. The prices of rugs vary widely depending on the age, condition and quality. One of the most famous places to shop in Turkey is the Grand Covered Bazaar in Istanbul, and here you will find the most knowledgeable carpet sellers. They also tend to be less pushy than traders in other parts of the city. But it's still a good idea to shop around, because this way you will have the best chance of picking up a bargain. But beware, not everything passed off as being "old" is genuine, so a little bit of knowledge will come in handy.
Old and new
In Istanbul you will also find the best antique shops and here you can buy anything from old prints and paintings to glassware and old weapons.
But, if you are looking to bring a piece of Turkish history back home with you, then you better make sure it isn't classed as an antiquity. Buying and exporting antiquities is highly illegal and if serious enough, it could lead to a prison sentence. If something is older than one hundred years, then check with the salesman that it is legal to take the item out of the country. A good indication is the price tag, because anything classed as an antiquity would be very expensive. The illegal trade in antiquities is a huge problem in Turkey and with old treasures worth many millions brought out of the country each year, the government is doing what they can to clamp down on it.
Now if you are looking for something a little less authentic, then fake designer goods are on sale all over Turkey. So, if you want something high class at low class prices, then you needn't look far. But although the quality sometimes is ok, this isn't always the case and the saying "you get what you pay for" definitely rings true. Also remember that producing and selling fake goods is considered illegal in most countries, although not always strictly enforced. But it might not be such a good idea to fill up your suitcase, as you could get into trouble when returning home.
All that Glitters
Did you know that Turkey is one of the largest manufacturers and exporters of gold jewelry in the world? This is a tradition that goes back more than 5,000 years, and today it is still the most popular gift for weddings and other celebrations. If you are looking for a chunky old necklaces and brooches or more delicate modern work, you will have plenty to choose from, and the prices aren't too bad either. But when buying silver or gold, be sure to look for the maker's hallmark stamp, certifying that it is genuine.
Ceramics & good luck charms
Since the 16th century Turkey has been famous for its wonderful colored ceramics. At that time it was the kilns of Iznik that turned out the most exquisite pieces. These are now classified as antiquities and cannot be exported, but the potters in Kutahya still follow the same old traditions and their beautiful plates, bowls, cups and tiles, are sold all over Turkey. The prices vary from a few pounds to several hundred, depending on the item and the quality.
If you want to buy a beautiful silk scarf or a nice leather handbag or perhaps you always dreamt of having a custom-made suede jacket, then that is not a problem either. Most Turkish shops will offer to have a garment custom-made to your specifications, for more or less the same price as anything you buy off-the-rack.
Another thing Turkey is famous for is the Nazar Bonjuk, a good luck charm which is supposed to ward of the evil eye. These blue glass "eyes" are found all over the country and in today's global turmoil, perhaps a little luck might come in handy....
Groceries
Not everything is that cheap in Turkey, and this also applies to groceries. For the best selection you should head to one of the big supermarkets like Migros. Here are some price examples. The figures are in Turkish lira. (1 lire equals 0,425 £)
1 liter milk 1.70 lira
Juice 1.60 lira
250 g butter 2.00 lira
1 kg cheese 11 - 12.00 lira
Bread is cheap
6 pack of beer 15.00 lira
1 bottle of wine 12.00 lira
150 g salami 3.90 lira
500 g spaghetti 1.85 lira
100 g Nescafe Gold 8.90 lira
50 g Twining teabags 8.95 lira
Shampoo Pantene Pro-v 400 ml 5.95 lira
16 toilet paper rolls 8.00 lira
1 box Cornflakes 5.05 lira
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Turkey 2009